The Cavs who fired Brown with four years and $20 million remaining on his contract, chose the 20-year veteran over other noteworthy candidates including Clippers assistants Tyronn Lew and Alvin Gentry.

Newly-hired Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was also prepared to offer Blatt a role on his staff.

The Cavaliers finished third in the Eastern Conference's Central Division, going 33-49 in 2013-2014 and missed the playoffs for the fourth-straight season since LeBron James bolted for Miami.